Exploring Mexico City's Modern Architecture in Pedregal
the history of jardines del pedregal
Exploring Mexico City’s Modern Architecture in Pedregal, a residential colony located in southern Mexico City, is definitely recommended for any fan of Modern Architecture. In the 1940s, this stunning area of lava fields became the largest urban development project in Mexico City, thanks to the talented architect Luis Barragan. His vision for El Pedregal was to promote harmony between architecture and landscape, and he developed a plan to protect the local ecosystem. Barragan even designed the gardens that served as models for private development. The Casas Muestra were also built as part of the project with the intention of showcasing these beautiful homes for sale. In 1950, they were built according to the design of Max Cetto in collaboration with Luis Barragan. The Max Cetto home was the first to be built in the lava fields of Pedregal, and it is currently occupied by his grandson, who now gives tours of the property.
Casa-Estudio Max Cetto history
The Max Cetto Home-Studio was the very first house built in Jardines del Pedregal in the late forties, designed by architect Max Cetto for himself and his family. It is an iconic masterpiece of modern architecture in Mexico, reflecting the aesthetic values and key thinking of several great artists such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard Neutra, Diego Rivera, Juan O’ Gorman, and Max Cetto himself. The garden, created by Catarina Cetto, adds to the beauty and quality of this space.
plan your visit to casa estudio max cetto
Over the last two decades, the residence and studio were home to several renowned people and institutions, adapting to the time with elegance. Currently, Max Cetto’s Home – Studio is back with its original family, who strive to preserve and sustain its ideals and precepts set by its creator. I was delighted to have received a guided tour of the property by Cetto’s grandson himself! Currently, you can book a tour for the Max Cetto Home through the Casa-Estudio Max Cetto website.
Casa Pedregal
La Casa Pedregal is the largest private residence designed by Luis Barragan. The home was built between 1947 and 1950 for the Prieto Lopez family, and was formerly known as Casa Prieto Lopez.
Barragan was known for taking his time with residential projects, and believed they required serious attention to every detail. He wanted to create a home that would honor the importance of the location and the special moments that take place there. His hands on approach included working directly on site in order to understand the elements of the landscape.
The end result was a pink modernist structure with a green pool, set amongst the volcanic rock. Over time the house has been restored to be as authentic as possible, thanks to Cesar Cervantes, a businessman and art collector who took ownership in 2013. The meticulous renovation brought the house back to life and allows us to explore it just as Barragan once conceived.
Visits to Casa Pedregal are allowed by appointment only. Send an Email to visitas@casapedregal.com
Tetetlan Restaurante
If you’re looking for a delicious meal after exploring the beautiful architecture of Pedregal, we’ve got just the place for you! Right next to Casa Pedregal, you’ll find a stunning restaurant that was once used as a horse stable, and lovingly upgraded by Cesar Cervantes when he took ownership of the property. Not only does it serve locally-sourced coffee and Mesoamerican dishes, but it also doubles as a yoga studio, hotel and listening library. The design itself is truly breathtaking with glass floors and skylights bathing the volcanic rock surroundings in pink hues. To visit, make a reservation here, via Tetetlan’s Instagram Page
Are you planning a trip to Mexico City? Check out my Mexico Travel Guide (below) – it’s packed with helpful tips and tricks to get you in, out, and navigate around this beautiful country. Also, be sure to stay tuned for my latest blog posts where I’ll be sharing all my adventures and more tips on finding beautiful architecture and design around the globe!
